On agency letterhead

Mayor (name)
City of (name)
Address
City

Dear Mayor….

April 4 is Refugee Rights Day in Canada and (name of organization) is writing to respectfully ask you to proclaim April 4 a Refugee Rights Day in our city.

We, the (name of organization or coalition of agencies), provide support, education, settlement, etc to refugees and we believe that we must remember and honor their stories.

The Supreme Court of Canada brought down the Singh decision on this day in 1985. The decision affirmed that persons who flee their country of origin and are in Canada asking for refugee protection have the right to a determination that respects the principles of fundamental justice. Since that time many thousands of people have been granted refugee protection in Canada and now call Canada home.

We believe that we must continue to acknowledge the thousands of people who are forced to migrate each year and recognize their right to fair and impartial hearing. This is an important day in the history of [name of city] and Canada.

The anniversary of the Singh decision offers an appropriate occasion to underline the contributions of refugees to our society and the positive elements of Canada’s response to refugees.

Thank you and we anticipate a joyful occasion on April 4 when together we remember the thousands who call Canada home.

Sincerely,